The UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute (LPPI) seeks dynamic research professionals to serve as research analysts across multiple projects. UCLA LPPI addresses the most critical domestic policy challenges facing Latinos and other communities of color through research, advocacy, mobilization, and leadership development to propel policy reforms that expand genuine opportunity for all Americans.

Under the direction of the Directors of Research, the analyst(s) will serve as integral members of a fast-paced research department. Analysts will be responsible for supporting the development, management, and execution of LPPI’s research portfolios, including LPPI’s growing research on Latino representation in elected and appointed positions at different branches of government and in other key sectors, including the media and corporate boards. Substantive activities include collection, standardization, and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data that result in rigorous research products that inform policy audiences. Research analysts are responsible for project management which includes drafting and implementing project work plans, managing the research activities of project personnel, and coordinating project deliverables. Other duties include managing report production, developing training curricula for public audiences, designing interactive data visualizations, and drafting public writings to translate findings for broad audiences, including opinion and editorial pieces.

The research analyst will also provide administrative support to the Directors of Research, who oversee a robust applied research agenda, including in-house research projects, extramural research projects, faculty-driven research, student researcher recruitment, mentoring, training and supervision, and university-level course development. Finally, this position will require the identification and maintenance of important relationships with scholars, practitioners, journalists, and funders to promote the organization’s goals and activities.

Desired Qualifications
An MA in a social science field, such as public policy, public health, sociology, urban planning, economics, or data science-related field with knowledge of social science methods or a bachelor’s degree with vast experience collecting, managing, and analyzing large qualitative or quantitative datasets. Demonstrated mastery of quantitative and/ or qualitative data analysis is required. Quantitative methods skills includeworking with large administrative datasets and census-based data products, building successful data visualizations, regression analysis, and basic spatial analysis. Qualitative methods skills include planning for and implementing field work/site visits, focus groups, and in-depth interviews; analyzing qualitative data to draw out key themes using qualitative data software (e.g., Nvivo, ATLAS.ti); summarizing qualitative findings and presenting qualitative data effectively in multiple formatsThe ability to work under tight deadlines and shifting priorities is required.

Metrics for success will include the successful launch of assigned projects; the consistent, widespread, and successful amplification of LPPI’s research; and the integration of LPPI’s research into evidence-based policymaking across the country.